Neptune Swimming Pools and Spas - Suffolk Pool Construction Company at Ball

Posh frocks, tuxedos and champagne were very much in evidence at Haverhill's first Business Awards Gala Ball held on Saturday 21st May at Chilford Hall. As sponsor of the 'Employer of the Year' Award, Tony Dunmow of Neptune Traditional Pools and his guests joined nearly 400 key members of the area's business community and representatives from organisations across the region, who had gathered to celebrate the spirit of enterprise that exists in local commerce.

For the first time, Haverhill's business stars basked in the spotlight at a glittering awards ceremony that rivalled the Hollywood Oscars for glamour, glitz and panache.

The town's new Chamber of Commerce supported the initiative, which was acclaimed a tremendous success by guests, finalists and the media. Paul Donno, chairman of the Haverhill Chamber and Elaine Collins, Director of the Business Awards, both delivered formal presentations. Paul paid tribute to the vision of those involved in organising the project. Elaine thanked the sponsors of the awards' programme, commenting on their sustained belief, support and generosity, which had helped to make it such a spectacular event. She described the gala ball as " the jewel in the crown" of a sensational year for the Haverhill Chamber since its launch in February 2004.

Guest speaker was Ron Hickman, designer of the Lotus Élan and Black & Decker workmate, who gave an entertaining speech.

Clive Thomas, Anglia IT Recruitment, introduced a presentation of images - created by Haverhill company, The Design Office - which featured the work of St Nicholas' Hospice, Bury St Edmunds. The Hospice will benefit from the proceeds of the evening and remaining funds raised during the Business Awards cycle. Becky and Selina of The Design Office, who also designed the Business awards logo, affectionately known as the 'swish', captured the atmosphere of the occasion through their photography and have presented the chamber with a stunning record of the evening.

Vibe FM co-hosted the event and DJ, Craig Stevens excelled in his role as MC, sparkling with vivacity, wit and charm. His vitality was matched by the enthusiasm of the audience and the impressive special effects.

Haverhill based, software and web design company Pure Energy Multimedia were largely responsible for the breathtaking technical wizardry evident throughout the entire awards ceremony. As well as designing the Business Award trophy, Pure Energy created the compelling big screen video presentation, which contributed so much drama to the occasion, produced the soundtrack for the event, and wrote the fanfare which preceded the announcement of each winner.

As sponsor of the 'Employer of the Year' category, Davinia Dunmow, representing Neptune Traditional Pools was on hand to announce the three finalists for the award: pharmaceutical companies Genzyme and Sigma Genosys and insurance giant AXA. The gold envelope was duly opened to reveal AXA as winner of Haverhill Employer of the Year. The trophy was collected from Davinia by David Fisher, on behalf of the company.

Reflecting on the evening, Tony Dunmow said: " This glittering event was a fantastic achievement. It was polished, professional and inspirational. These inaugural Business Awards have demonstrated that Haverhill has some of the most dynamic and innovative companies to be found in the eastern region and I am proud to be associated with their success. I take my hat off to the organisers; it will be a difficult act to follow...